First Confidential Choreographers Summit in NYC Reveals Industry Challenges

On March 29, BalletCollective kicked off the first-ever Creators in Dance Summit in New York City, bringing together 75 choreographers from diverse dance genres like hip hop, ballet, and contemporary. This private event was closed to both media and funders. A survey revealed that 37% of attendees felt that innovation and risk-taking were somewhat or largely discouraged, while 86% thought that quick output was favored. Additionally, 87% doubted the support for long-term growth, and none felt adequately paid over the last three years. The summit featured breakout sessions for different career stages, focusing on collaboration and sustaining creativity. Notable advisory board members, including Kyle Abraham and Robert Battle, participated. Choreographers Sidra Bell and Omar Román de Jesús found the experience empowering. BalletCollective aims to make this an annual event, with plans for an anonymized report for stakeholders.